Benton County cannabis sales increase 16% in FY2021

Recreational cannabis sales in Benton County reached more than $39.6 million in fiscal year 2021.

That’s up 16% from $34 million in fiscal year 2020.

The increase over the previous year shows a slower rate of growth compared to the nearly 43% growth rate in fiscal year 2020 over the previous year.

Statewide, sales increased more than 18% to $1.5 billion, up from nearly $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2020. King County boasted the highest sales statewide at $383 million.

Yakima County cannabis sales totaled $36.5 million; Grant County, $16 million; Walla Walla County, $11 million; Spokane County, $163.7 million. Franklin County bans cannabis sales.

The data released by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board covers July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

Here’s the breakdown of distribution of fiscal year 2021 cannabis revenue totals to local governments: Benton City, $4,020; Prosser, $15,084; and Benton County, $295,006. The cities of Kennewick, Richland, Pasco and West Richland ban cannabis sales.

Benton County collected $283,593 in fiscal year 2020 and $267,077 in fiscal year 2019, according to data from the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.